The former Beatle will go up against singer Morrissey and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough in the BBC poll.

The three were ranked ahead of David Bowie, Sir Michael Caine and five other famous faces in the survey, conducted by BBC Two's Culture Show programme.

The eventual winner, decided by public vote, will be announced on 16 December.

Before that, Sir Paul will be a guest presenter on Classic FM next Thursday as part of a day of programming dedicated to his life and work.

The 64-year-old is currently promoting his latest classical album, Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart).

However, it is his personal life rather than his music that has dominated headlines of late.